Max Verstappen shares biggest news of his life with baby announcement

Max Verstappen has shared massive, private relationship news just hours after his shock no-show at the Miami Grand Prix was explained.

Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have announced the birth of their daughter, Lily, as the four-time Formula One world champion made a mad dash to the Miami Grand Prix.

Verstappen only arrived at the track on Saturday ahead of the practice sessions after skipping the pre-race promotional and media events while awaiting the birth of his first child.

“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever — you are our greatest gift. We love you so much,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram, accompanied by photos of the couple and their newborn swaddled in a blanket.

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Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet, 36, is the daughter of Brazil’s triple world champion Nelson Piquet.

The Brazilian model has another daughter from a previous relationship with Russian ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Max Verstappen shared the massive news on Instagram.

The 27-year-old Dutchman is third overall in the drivers’ championship after five races, 12 points behind Australian leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Verstappen didn’t let the birth of his first child — the biggest news he will ever have to share —distract him in Florida as he arrived and registered the third quickest time of the opening practice session behind Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

The Red Bull racer first shared his thoughts about becoming a dad with ESPN.

“Luckily, I got to spend a few days with them once she was born,” he said.

“It’s been great. You never really know what to expect but it’s been very enjoyable and very special.”

Verstappen said he is not daunted about becoming a dad because he has already been helping parent Piquet’s daughter Penelope.

F1 driver Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet are expecting their first child in the coming days. Picture: Instagram/Supplied

They announced in December 2024 that they were expecting a baby. Picture: Instagram/Supplied

“I’m kind of like a bonus dad already with my girlfriend having a daughter, so I saw her grow up since she was one,” he said.

“I think that will work out. Who knows, maybe in the future we can do it together. Everyone does it [parenting] in their own way … it will all work out.”

There has been some controversy about his return to the track so soon after the birth with some raising their eyebrows at his decision to continue to race.

Verstappen announced the news about Piquet’s pregnancy in December.

Despite Verstappen looking on course to continue racing for now, it is thought he may decide to take next year off from the sport.

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last month by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great” and an unnamed F1 driver said he believes Verstappen most likely route is a season on the sidelines.

Verstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 — four years after meeting at a dinner — after her relationship with Kvyat.

Originally published as Max Verstappen shares biggest news of his life with baby announcement